The YMCA will kick off the 2014 Community Support Campaign on Thursday at 6 p.m. Upon arrival, volunteer storytellers (campaigners) and their guests will be welcomed by YMCA President and CEO Janet Dunn. Storytellers will enjoy dinner presented by 1885 Grill.
Before, during and after dinner, storytellers will hear examples of lives changed through the three Y focus areas; Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. The annual event sets in motion the 2014 YMCA Community Support Campaign.
“We are very pleased that Pat Neuhoff accepted the challenge of being our campaign chairman again this year,” said Janet Dunn, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. “As long-time Y volunteer, Pat has a firm understanding of the YMCA mission and clear vision of our future and what we can accomplish for our community.”
“The programs and services funded by the Community Support Campaign benefit individuals, children and families in so many ways,” said Tripp McCallie, director of Development and Mission Advancement for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. He noted that the money raised benefits the Mobile Y program, Y-CAP, a mentoring program for at-risk youth and other programs such as afterschool programs, academic enrichment programs, LiveStrong at the YMCA, Diabetes Prevention Program, SPLASH, Camp Ocoee, Youth Leadership Chattanooga as well as Y memberships.
“No one is turned away from a YMCA program or YMCA membership because of an inability to pay, stressed Mrs. Dunn. “In 2013, individuals, children and families received over $3 million in direct scholarships and program subsidies.”
The goal of the Community Support Campaign this year is $518,500.